Broncos Fall 4-3 To Flames

CHICAGO -
The Santa Clara men's soccer team lost a hard-fought and intense 4-3 match to the 16th-ranked UIC Flames Monday afternoon in Chicago. Jeff Cosgriff scored his second goal of the season, while Ross Smith and Brian Martin each netted their first goals of the year.

The Broncos are now 0-2-0 on the season, while the Flames improved to 1-0-1.

UIC began the scoring just over two minutes into the match as Matt Spiess snapped a header past sophomore keeper Jeremy Del Re. The Broncos then evened the score in the 19th minute when Cosgriff intercepted a UIC clearance attempt in front of the goal for a chip shot. The game was tied 1-1.

However, three minutes later the Flames took a one-goal edge with another well-placed header. Baggio Husidic received the ball from Charlie Trout for the goal. UIC then increased their advantage to two in the 35th minute as Trout made the score 3-1.

The Broncos responded right before halftime to make the score 3-2. A free kick was awarded to Santa Clara, and after the attempt was turned away by UIC goalkeeper Jovan Bubonja, the ball bounced around and found the foot of Ross Smith for the goal.

The Flames once again increased their lead with 17 minutes left in regulation, as Kevin Stoll sent a deep bending ball over Del Re. UIC led 4-2.

Martin brought the Broncos back within one goal in the 77th minute off a pass from Brandon Zimmerman after making a fast break up the middle. SCU fought hard for a game-equalizer but were unsuccessful. In the 85th minute, Kellen Wantulok attempted to knot the score, but his shot was saved by Bubonja.

Del Re started the match in goal for the Broncos, playing all 90 minutes and recording two saves.

The Broncos remain on the road as they return to action on Sept. 5 at the Middleton Sports and Fitness invitational hosted by the University of Wisconsin. Santa Clara battles Wisconsin at 3 p.m. PT on Friday, and then takes on UW-Milwaukee on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. PT.